Embedded Files
High school students are under a more stress now than ever before. Social media and technology are ingrained in their everyday lives as they prepare for their next steps in life, moving closer to adulthood. These activities can help create a connection to nature, allow an opportunity to unwind, and even help make a difference in our world by collecting data for scientific research. These kids are already influencing the future. Why not provide activities to help them feel connected to our world?
Need some conversation starters? Talk with your high-schooler about how they can make a difference and get involved at the local level, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or joining an eco-club at school. Share the ways you support conservation with your child(ren) and brainstorm together ways they can take action today!
Below you will find 4 clickable categories of free activities (citizen science, active, mindful, and digital) to help them feel more connected with nature. Scroll through the suggestions below to find an activity that will inspire your young adult!
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
(click here for activities)
(click here for activities)
Be part of the process by helping scientists collect data in one of these activities:
Be part of the process by helping scientists collect data in one of these activities:
Help determine how pollinators are adjusting to climate change. Collect data based on your observations on a pollinator, flowering plant, and current climate details using the site Budburst Pollinators & Climate.
Record bird observations in your area. What types of birds, and how many are present in your neighborhood? Near your school? Seen on your way home? Help scientists track our avian world by uploading your data to your account with eBird.
Track pollinators by selecting a location and a plant to watch and make observations. Each time you see a pollinator visit this plant, record the pollinator species and the number of times it visited the plant. Add your observations to the Great Sunflower Project!
Active
Active
(click here for activities)
(click here for activities)
Go outside, explore, and do something fun with one of these activities:
Go outside, explore, and do something fun with one of these activities:
Take a Photowalk! Using your phone/camera, take pictures based on a theme of your choice as you venture outdoors. Some themed ideas include reflection, shadows, leaves, carvings, views, plastic, and colors.
Tend a garden by planting seeds and watching them grow. See what wild locals show up! Don't have a garden? Help out at a local community garden or nursery.
Participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt.
Partake in geocaching activities near you! Find local treasures using this app on your phone.
Do you have a species you care about or have you noticed a local issue that needs attention? Gather like-minded peers and start up an environmental club at your school! This article from Scientific American has suggestions to get you started.
Mindful
Mindful
(click here for activities)
(click here for activities)
Take a look inward as you explore nature:
Take a look inward as you explore nature:
Keep a journal about your experiences outdoors. Add pictures, leaf samples, and notes on what you saw and heard. You can find additional supportive prompts and directions on this website!
Take in your surroundings using all 5 senses. Identify 3-5 things that you can smell, feel, hear, see, and taste (hear the wind moving nearby plants, taste a sip of water, etc). Bring attention to these things and what you are feeling in this experience.
Find a spot outside to sit/lay. Close your eyes and listen to all of the sounds in nature for 10-15 minutes. Write about your experience or discuss how it made you feel with a family member!
Digital
Digital
(click here for activities)
(click here for activities)
Can't venture outside? Try one of these digital opportunities to join the fun:
Can't venture outside? Try one of these digital opportunities to join the fun:
Visit the OCEARCH Shark Tracker to explore shark movements and learn how scientists are collecting shark data.
Go on a virtual ecotour to learn about fantastic conservation efforts happening all around the world. Immerse yourself in the lives of different species!
Help collect data on light pollution in your neighborhood. Follow the 6 easy steps on the Globe at Night's website to upload your data!
Already planning for College?
Already planning for College?
Here is a list of Green Scholarships available that may be of interest to you.
Top Background Photo Courtesy of J. Katona
Page updated
Report abuse